2025 Hockey AFCON: Black Sticks grab silver as South Africa reign supreme
Ghana’s national women’s hockey team, Black Sticks, battled valiantly but were outclassed 0–4 by continental powerhouse South Africa in the final of the 2025 African Hockey Federation (AfHF) Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt, last Saturday.
The defeat dashed Ghana’s hopes of claiming Africa’s sole qualification slot for the 2026 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Women’s World Cup, to be staged in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14–30 next year.
After a spirited campaign, the Black Sticks went into the final with revenge on their minds, determined to overturn the 2–3 loss suffered against the same opponents in the opening round.
But the South Africans proved too strong, displaying pace, precision and set-piece mastery to retain their continental crown and confirm yet another World Cup berth.
Ghana’s brave run
Ghana’s journey to the final was marked by strong performances. The Black Sticks routed Kenya 5–2 in their final round-robin match last Friday, with Jennifer Konadu delivering a brilliant hat-trick to seal a top-two finish and a ticket to the championship showdown.
However, the final turned into a tough learning experience for the Ghanaian women as the South Africans imposed their authority from start to finish, silencing Ghana’s attack and punishing defensive lapses to run out convincing winners.
Despite the disappointment, there was cause for celebration for Team Ghana. Captain Mavis Berko, a specialist in penalty corners, emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, while goalkeeper Dorothy Ngissah was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament for her commanding displays between the posts.
“I am not disappointed at all,” said Rita Odei, General Secretary of the Ghana Hockey Association (GHA). “The team has improved from the previous edition, where we didn’t qualify out of the group and lost almost all matches. This team has the potential to win gold in future.
They’re the future of Ghana hockey.”
Mixed fortunes
While the women reached the summit clash, the men’s team endured a disappointing campaign, finishing fifth in the six-team competition after losing their final group match 3–7 to hosts Egypt.
That result denied them even a shot at the bronze, which went to Nigeria, who beat Kenya 3–1 in the third-place playoff.
South Africa completed a dominant double by crushing Egypt 5–1 in the men’s final to also book their ticket to the 2026 FIH Men’s World Cup.
Egypt will, however, have another chance to qualify through the continental playoffs later this year.
Akpokavie honoured
Beyond the pitch, Ghanaian sports administration earned its own moment of pride.
The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee and former national hockey chief, Richard Akpokavie, was decorated by FIH President Tayyab Ikram at a special ceremony in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of hockey in Africa and globally.
A former standout national player and all-round athlete, Mr Akpokavie currently serves on several committees of the world body, and is a co-opted Executive Board Member of the Africa Hockey Federation.
